Telangana leads India in doctors per capita, says Harish Rao

Former Health Minister Harish Rao said Telangana now enjoys the highest per capita doctor availability and top medical infrastructure in India, crediting the BRS government’s policies. He highlighted Hyderabad’s rise as a national and international medical hub and urged continuation of effective health initiatives

Hyderabad: Former Health Minister and BRS senior leader T Harish Rao said Telangana has the highest number of medical colleges and the highest per capita availability of doctors in the country. Addressing the Times Health Excellence Awards 6th Edition function in Hyderabad on Friday evening, he credited the policies of the previous BRS government for transforming Hyderabad into medical hub of India.

“Every lakh population in Telangana now has 22 doctors — the highest ratio in the country. The State has 35 private medical colleges. We developed world-class medical infrastructure, established new nursing and paramedical colleges, and introduced specialised courses,” Harish Rao said. He highlighted that Hyderabad’s reputation has grown so much that patients from across India and even from Asian and Gulf countries now flock to the city for treatment.

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“After COVID-19, the image and respect for doctors has risen immensely. Rich patients from Telangana who once went to the US for cancer and cardiac treatment now get world-class care right here. Today, American patients are coming to Hyderabad,” he remarked. The BRS leader pointed out that during the BRS regime, institutional deliveries in government hospitals jumped from 35 per cent to 78 per cent. Medical tourism revenue grew manifold and Hyderabad’s brand image as a healthcare destination soared.

“In some corporate hospitals, 60 per cent of patients now come from outside Telangana,” he added. Harish Rao also praised government sector doctors, stating that knee replacements and other advanced procedures are now routinely performed in district hospitals like Kothagudem and Mahabubnagar. “There are excellent doctors in the government sector too. They need more encouragement and recognition,” he stressed.

Recalling BRS initiatives, he said the previous government incentivised government doctors by giving Rs 5,000 extra for every normal delivery to promote natural childbirth.

He criticised the high C-section rates in some private hospitals, noting that while 99.99 per cent of doctors are good and ethical, professional values must always be upheld with dedication towards society. “Governments may change, but good policies must continue,” Harish Rao emphasised, urging the present administration to carry forward the healthcare momentum built over the last decade. The former minister congratulated all award winners and organisers of the Times Health Excellence Awards for recognising outstanding contributions to healthcare.